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Marlins hope to create consistent buzz at home

MLB.com's Joe Frisaro joins Marlins broadcaster Tommy Hutton to discuss the team's roster and his outlook for the 2014 season

By Joe Frisaro
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- If they win, the Marlins believe the fans will show up.

Opening Night is always special, and a given for all clubs to play in front of packed stadiums. To get the Marlins to draw consistently at Marlins Park, the formula is simple -- win.

"We've got to win. Winning is going to draw a crowd," catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia said. "Winning is going to bring that back to Miami. But it's not our job to focus on that. We're not going to go out there and look in the stands and say, 'All right, we don't have to play tonight because no one is here.' That's not our job. Our job is to go out there and play."

Saltalamacchia, Miami's biggest offseason signing, brings championship experience after being with the Red Sox last year. From what the catcher sees, the Marlins have the pieces to put together a strong season.

"I see a bunch of guys in here who want to win," Saltalamacchia said. "You get hungry for more. I think we're trying to have that atmosphere in here, and losing is not an option."

Giancarlo Stanton, one of the faces of the franchise, says big crowds help energize a club at home.

"That's what fuels us," Stanton said. "That's what gets us going. We don't need too much help to fuel Day One, but sometimes in maybe, game 120-something, and you have some long road trip, a big, strong crowd helps energize you, and it's fun."